Business with Intent: SHADOW OF A DOUBT

from fixing coffee to unpacking suitcases - using props to specific ends

When I (Mel) looked at this scene for my [very] niche side project Coffee and Noir, I was fascinated with the actors ‘business’.

I talk about how characters are contrasted, scene transition, etc. on Coffee and Noir, so this is just about how the actorly business is choreographed, blocked, and shot.

At 0:13 Uncle Charlie is reading the newspaper as his sister Emma brings him a tray of breakfast in bed. Between folding the newspaper, setting his napkin over his clean white pyjamas, and fixing his coffee (but not sipping it yet, that comes later), Joseph Cotten has plenty to do.

During their conversation about their (polar opposite) philosophies of work and rest, Emma leans back, and in doing so bumps the lid (0:49) of Uncle Charlie’s open suitcase. It’s a comedy beat she takes in stride, but which more importantly leads her to the next bit of business: unpacking and putting away his clothes, giving her something to do as she chatters away.

While he humours her, Uncle Charlie has a great moment tearing his toast . . . don’t forget he’s suspected of being a strangler.

This happens in a low angle, headboard, and coffee steam which make him look like a devil in angel’s clothing pyjamas.

Finally (I’ve skipped a bit of spoiler-y chatter in the middle), Young Charlie and Emma leaving the room motivates a camera move, then to end the scene, Uncle Charlie does sip the coffee, obscuring his devilish smile.

Takeaways

Giving your actors specific things to do, or a whole set of props to play with during rehearsal, is a great way to keep a scene dynamic. The more you think about the meaning of what they’re doing (eg Emma likes to keep herself busy and serve others; Uncle Charlie’s hands like more nefarious actions), and how their interaction with the set can create comedy, symbolism, and kinetic action or meaningful stillness, the better your overall scene will be.